To get over .500 again, the Wizards have to do it without Nene, who is out six weeks with a sprained ligament in his left knee. They're just 1-6 without him this season and 7-34 overall. But fortunately for them, the Magic are just 3-26 in road games.

Entry passes: 1). How this team responds early to no Nene will determine if this is a blowout victory or nail-biter. 2). Keeping Oladipo out of the lane is paramount for a defense that sometimes has trouble containing penetration. 3). Booker and Kevin Seraphin must replace the production left by Nene, and then some. 4). More pick-and-rolls for Gortat? 5). Wall and Beal must steady this team not just with offense but by playing intelligent floor games.

X-factors: F Al Harrington has played total in the last two games, but pending his conditioning will get increased minutes. The same goes for backup G Andre Miller ... F Chris Singleton, who has made just 14 appearances, could get off the bench now.

Around the bend: The Wizards will practice Wednesday before heading north to face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday (CSN+, 7 p.m. ET).